"I use InteGrand because I have one source for all my needs and when I need to get something done…it gets done the way I need it to be and when I want it. I have yet to get that from other vendors."

- Jody L - Business Manager - Human Services

InteGrand

"You guys are the best…Thank you for all your help."

- Danielle L - Accounts Receivable - Construction Services

Our Blog

How Your Small Business Can Give Back This Thanksgiving - InteGrand

Are you looking for a way to give back this Thanksgiving, but aren’t really sure where to begin? Each year, thousands of businesses in Minnesota work hard to offer help to those in need in their communities. Giving back is a great way for business owners and employees to feel better about the contributions they are making to the world. Luckily, the Twin Cities have a variety of ways for you and your employees to give back during this time of year.

Looking for a great team building activity you and your employees can partake in while helping the community? Read below to find out about some of the ways you can offer those in need a helping hand this Thanksgiving.

The Salvation Army is Always Looking for Help

For years, the Salvation Army has been one of the most popular charitable organizations not only in Minneapolis, but in the world at large. Some people think that they need a lot of experience to help out this organization, but this is not the case. One of the best ways to help out the Salvation Army is by volunteering to do things like make and deliver Thanksgiving meals to less fortunate people in the Twin Cities. The Salvation Army also needs help distributing winter coats and a handful of other tasks. You canapply online for the volunteer positions this organization has to offer.

Host Your Own Clothing Drive

During the colder months of the year, the need that the homeless have for warm clothing increases. Getting your employees together and hosting a clothing drive is a great way to help those in need stay warm this winter. Not only is this agreat way to give back, it will allow you and your team to get rid of some clothing you no longer wear. Finding local churches in the area to help with the distribution of the clothing you have is essential. They will usually know where these clothes are needed most, which can help to maximize the impact your charitable donations have.

Giving Little Brothers a Hand

Offering a helping hand to theLittle Brothers organization is a great way to help out the elderly community in Minnesota. Each year, this organization hosts a large Thanksgiving meal in Oakdale. They are always in need of volunteers to go get elderly people and bring them to this dinner. In some instances, you and your workers may bring a plate to senior citizens who are unable to travel. By doing this, you can make the holidays a bit brighter for an older person in need.

Planning a Holiday Related Event

Do you have a charity that you are passionate about and want to raise money for them? Organizing a holiday-themed event is a great way to raise money and have a great time in the process. Whether you want to host a bake sale or a fun run, getting help from your employees is essential. The more people you have to help plan and execute this type of event, the easier you will find it to achieve the level of success you want. Be sure to use your company’s website and social media channels to promote these events. The more you promote your charitable events, the more people you will be able to attract. Reach out to local newspapers to try to promote your event and attract the attention of other locals in the community.

People Serving People

Another great charity to work with in the Minneapolis area is People Serving People. Each Thanksgiving this family focused homeless shelter serves up meals and plans a number of activities for the people staying in their facility. Call up the team atPeople Serving People to find out about the type of assistance they need. Usually, they need help with things like serving guests three meals a day and putting together various gifts for the families they are caring for.

Taking a Trip to a Nursing Home in the Twin Cities

Nursing homes are also a great place to take your team when trying to give back to your community. Taking the residents of the nursing home gifts and great food can be very enjoyable. Instead of delivering the food and leaving, you and your team need to plan on staying around for a while and visiting with the elderly people there. Make cards, allow them to share stories and make a new friend. Most of these people don’t have family to come visit them. Giving these deserving individuals some of your time is one of the best gifts you can give this Thanksgiving.

Simpson Housing Services

One of the most reputable homeless shelters in Minneapolis isSimpson Housing Services. The best way to help an organization like this is by donating things like clothing and food. Many of the homeless shelters in this area rely on these donations to keep their charity going. Taking the time to organize a food and clothing drive will pay off greatly in the long run. By giving to this shelter, you can help to ensure that families around theMinneapolis and St. Paul area will have what they need this holiday season. The team at Simpson Housing Services will be able to put the donations that you take into good use.

Create and Distribute Thanksgiving Baskets

Getting your team together to create and distribute Thanksgiving baskets is also a great idea. You can fill these baskets with all of the foods a family needs to enjoy a great meal during the holiday. Speak with local grocery stores to find out whether or not they want to donate to this cause. By doing this, you can reduce the amount of money you spend during this process. Putting the word out about these baskets is a great way to get calls from families who need them. While it will take some time and effort to get these baskets made, it will be well worth it in the long run. You can even make it a competition: divide your employees into two different teams and see who can raise the most food for your baskets!

The team at InteGrand is passionate about giving back to the community. We encourage all businesses to contact the charities mentioned in this blog to see what can be done to help them. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you and your team have helped out individuals and families in need during the holiday season.